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Durban University of Technology 42Durban University of Technology%u2019s (DUT) lecturer in the Department of Applied Law Lungelo Percival Zulu diligently prepared for his fourth Comrades Marathon down-run and finished in a great time of 8:10:30.While work and family duties made it challenging to fully keep up with the training programme, Zulu trained six days a week with his group. His training regimen included long, slow distance training, speed and endurance training, hill repeats and running on various terrain.%u201cPreparations progressed smoothly. Since the end of November 2024, I trained regularly with my training group. The emphasis was on staying disciplined, following the schedule and improving crucial skills like endurance,%u201d said Zulu.The seasoned runner expressed a profound appreciation for the Comrades Marathon, describing it as a transformative experience that not only tests physical limits but also fosters a deep sense of personal growth and accomplishment.%u201cRunning the Comrades Marathon is a deeply emotional and physically gruelling experience; a journey unlike any other. You feel part of something historic. There is pride, fear, excitement and the question, %u2018Am I really ready for this?%u2019 Along the way, you feel everything from joy to pain, from doubt to determination and deep connection with fellow runners and supporters, and of course, an overwhelming pride as you approach the finish. It is not just a race; it is a test of heart and resilience. Crossing that finish line is more than just completing a distance; it is a victory of the human spirit,%u201d he said.Zulu found a good balance between enjoying his food and fuelling his body for the marathon. He prioritised a healthy diet and balanced intake of essential nutrients to optimise his performance, while still allowing himself the flexibility to enjoy his favourite foods. This COMRADES MARATHON IS A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND ENDURANCE for LUNGELO ZULU approach worked well for him, as being a %u2018sociable eater%u2019 can be beneficial for his mental well-being.For him, the Comrades Marathon is not just about finishing within a specific time; it is about showing up fully prepared, giving his best, and crossing that finish line knowing he left everything on the road. He runs with purpose, to honour the training he has done, and to embrace the highs and lows of the journey.%u201cThe real victory is in the experience itself, in pushing past limits, connecting with fellow runners,%u201d he said.He advised runners taking on the Comrades Marathon to stay hydrated, fuel consistently and listen to their bodies.Thubelihle DumakudePictured: Lungelo Zulu